VAR intervention at the end of Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth quickly dismissed goals for a penalty against Manchester United in stoppage-time. Erik ten Hag’s side were already on course to drop points at the Vitality Stadium but another defeat would have been a huge blow.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola criticised the officiating after his side drew with the Reds, which means they’ve taken four points from Ten Hag’s side this season.
“It is not only about the important decisions,” said Iraola after the draw, as quoted by Manchester World. “It is about Kobbie Mainoo diving in the first half and nothing happens. Ryan Christie, with much more contact, dives in the second half and it is a yellow card. It is about consistency.
“Okay, we are safe, yes, but you have to value our points, the same way you value United’s points. The same exact way. The last decision especially, for the VAR to intervene, something that should be clear and obvious.
“We conceded a penalty against Newcastle and, apart from the offside, it was the correct decision, because we started grabbing a player two metres outside, but he falls inside because there is a moment inside the box. It is the same situation here.
“You can argue the first touch between the players could be one centimetre outside the box, but it has to be clear. And it is obvious he continues making the offence inside and doesn’t allow Ryan to finish the play.”
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has a LOT to say about the calls or lack of calls against Man Utd 😳 pic.twitter.com/up1D01MzP0
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2024
There is no denying that the hosts were the better side for the majority of the match. They also held a deserved 2-1 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert.
United’s two goals came from Bruno Fernandes, who converted a second-half penalty to make it 2-2 after Adam Smith handled the ball inside the box from a deflection off teammate Ryan Christie. While it was a stonewall penalty, it was the type you’d hate to concede.
Bournemouth had their penalty shouts of their own turned down. Christie was booked for simulation the box, and then a stoppage time penalty was rightly overturned after the Scot had been fouled by Willy Kambwala outside the box.
I think Iraola is sounding a bit deluded if he thinks Bournemouth deserved a penalty for a foul that clearly occurred outside the box.
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